Friday, February 25, 2005

The business case for Europe

In a letter to the Financial Times today, signed by eleven of "the usual suspects", Britain in Europe makes "the business case for Europe". Shorn of the verbiage, these are the points made:

The treaty will ensure that an enlarged Union will function more effectively by defining the powers of the EU, streamlining decision making, strengthening the role of national parliaments and promoting greater transparency and accountability.

It will make it easier to do business throughout the world's largest trading bloc - a market into which more than 50 per cent of our goods are exported and upon which more than 3m jobs in our country depend.

It will ensure that Britain remains at Europe's top table, taking a leading role in the decision-making processes on key issues that affect our country, our businesses and the people who work in them.

Now is not the time for the UK to turn its back on Europe. The accession of 10 new member states (with other countries queuing up to join) and the election of a Commission committed to competitiveness, growth and jobs show that now, more than ever, the UK needs to be at the heart of Europe.

A rejection of the treaty would cost Britain dearly. It would be hugely damaging for our country and the business community, isolating the UK at a time when the pace of globalisation is making it ever more important that we remain at the forefront of European affairs.

What encouraging about this is that they have nothing new or different to offer. All BiE seems to be able to do is come up with is the same tired phrases. Surely they can do better than this?